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The DRA is a tri-service organisation
supporting the Australian Defence Force,
promoting the interests, and safeguarding the concerns of
the Defence Reserve component of the ADF
The Origin of Our Name
The Defence Reserves Association was founded in 1969 as the Citizen Military Forces Association by Major General Paul Cullen AC CBE DSO*ED following his period as CMF Member of the Military Board. The name was changed in 1987 to the Army Reserve Association. When the association became Tri-Service in 1992, the name was changed to its current form of: Defence Reserves Association (DRA)
The Aims of the DRA Association are
- to foster and assist the Australian Defence Force with particular emphasis on the Reserves.
- to make and receive gifts and donations.
- to publicise the Defence Reserves by public relations facilities and activities.
- to be involved actively in the welfare and betterment of serving and former Defence Force members with specific attention to those of the Defence Reserves.
- to encourage loyalty to the Commonwealth of Australia and observance of its laws and statutes.
- to consider and where appropriate seek changes to the conditions of service, amenities and equipments relating to Defence Reserves.
- to aid recruiting for the Defence Reserves and assist in the promotion of their units and squadrons.
- to represent the standpoint of the Defence Reserves in the promotion of an effective tri-service Defence Force.
What is the DRA structure?
DRA branches are established in each state. The federal executive co-ordinates national policy and carries out liaison on defence matters directly with both Government and Opposition members of Parliament and members of the Senior Defence executive.
How does the DRA operate at National level?
Meetings are held frequently with senior uniformed and civilian officers within the Department of Defence to discuss a wide range of issues particularly those affecting Reserves. Meetings on policy matters are often held between State committees and federal parliamentarians to present the DRA perspective on defence planning intentions and to discuss likely implications for Defence Reservists.
National Conference and AGM
The federal executive arranges a National Conference annually, to provide the opportunity for politicians and senior serving officers to address the association on defence policy matters. Any member can attend the national conference.
The National Annual General Meeting, which follows the conference, is attended by executive and (State) branch committee representatives. It provides the opportunity for DRA policy to be debated and for the ensuing year's strategic plan to be decided.
Matters arising from the National Conference are reported to members by the national publication, "The Australian Reservist" and through State distributed newsletters. An archive of the presentations given at the National Conference is maintained on the website.
The DRA Journal "The Austalian Reservist"
The Journal is published twice yearly in March and September. Contributions should be sent to the Editorial committee at PO BOX 88 Briar Hill, Vic 3088 or emailed to info@dra.org.au Articles of interest include reports form reservists on operations, contemporay issues relevant to reservists, policy changes, structural reforms, training, letters to the editor, book reviews and relevant historical articles.
Constitution
The Defence Reserves Association operates under the set of rules defined in our constitution. The constitution was ammended in August 2009 to reflect decisions made at the 2008 and 2009 Annual General Meetings. A copy of the constitution is available for download. See below
National Office Bearers
State Branch Office Bearers
Membership
FAQs
Download a copy of the DRA Constitution
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